Building Better Programs

MDRC: New Pathways to Careers and College

This report by MDRC describes some of the most prominent of these “career pathway” models for high school students. It examines the increased focus on career-technical education (CTE) in preparing all students for success in both college and careers. The report also identifies localities where the approach has gained the most traction, discusses the underlying principles that characterize the most promising programs, and briefly presents the evidence of their potential to make a difference. The report concludes with a set of recommendations for future investment to strengthen and scale such programs.

New Pathways to Careers and College: Examples, Evidence, and Prospects